Voters approve Medicaid, marijuana ballot initiatives, reject 'single-payer'

California voters yesterday approved a ballot initiative sponsored by the California Hospital Association to make permanent the state’s Medicaid hospital fee program and the limit on the amount the state can take for the general fund. Voters also approved CHA-supported initiatives to raise tax revenue for care provided by physicians and hospitals to children on Medicaid, and increase the tax on tobacco and tobacco products. Colorado voters rejected a ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to create a “single-payer” health care system in the state. The Colorado Hospital Association opposed the measure, calling it “too risky, too uncertain and too unaffordable” for the state. Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure to legalize the commercial sale of marijuana in the state. The Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and other health care organizations opposed the measure as a threat to public health and safety.